Birth option

Esther is eight months pregnant with her first child. Today, she is meeting two health professionals: a midwife and a doctor who specialises in pregnancy and birth, an obstetrician. They all discuss the stages of giving birth. When it comes to labour and delivery, some things are entirely up to Esther. She can, for example, bring along a person who she feels comfortable with, and might make the process easier.

This can be a friend, family member or her partner. Esther says she’d like Joseph, her partner to be there. For other aspects of the birth, there are medical considerations to take into account. As Esther is young and healthy, she will most likely deliver the baby vaginally. Most babies are born this way, and in the majority of cases there are no complications.

But sometimes, a medical emergency can arise that means it is safer to deliver the baby through a surgical procedure, a Caesarean or C-section. Next, the midwife explains that some mothers choose to give birth at home. This way of giving birth can help reduce stress and anxiety, as for many, home is a familiar, relaxing environment. To relieve pain during labour, Esther could use a birthing pool, which can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and ease pain. The majority of home births go well for both mother and baby, and require no extra medical attention.

The support of an experienced midwife is usually enough. However, there are several things that can go wrong, potentially threatening the health of both mother and baby. In these cases, a medical procedure might be needed in a matter of minutes. Therefore, it is typically only mothers who show no signs of complications, who are encouraged to have a home birth. The other choice Esther has, is to give birth in the hospital’s obstetric unit.

Sometimes, this is the only option for many women around the world. In hospital, Esther would have access to a team of doctors, nurses, and midwives. If anything goes wrong, and Esther or the newborn baby need medical assistance immediately, the help is already there. The hospital is also the only place where Esther can receive more advanced types of pain relief. Esther thinks about this.

She does feel comfortable at home, and there have been no complications so far. But this is her first baby, so she’s not sure what to expect. So she decides to plan to give birth in hospital. The midwife explains there are several methods for managing pain during labour and delivery. Some methods don't involve medication at all, such as relaxation and breathing techniques, massage or a warm bath.

If that is not enough, medical professionals can administer other forms of pain relief. Typically, nitrogen oxide through a breathing mask, or an injection in Esther’s lower back, an epidural. Esther doesn’t have to decide now, but it’s useful for her to know what her options are. While giving birth, a mother can have her body in many different positions: lying down, kneeling, or squatting. As long as all is going well, Esther can choose the position that is most comfortable to her.

Esther is still a bit nervous, but now she feels calmer knowing what to expect and what options she has. And she can’t wait to finally meet her baby!